Converting VHSC videos to CDs

I recently bought this computer. It has Windows XP Home, 256 RAM, 2.4Ghz. I see it has a program Windows Movie Maker. I would like to use this to transfer VHSC tapes to video CDs. I have a CD burner but not a DVD burner. I read "Get started with Windows Movie Maker" on the Microsoft site. It talks about this thing called a "dongle" to connect the camera or VCR to the computer. Where would I get such a thing? If this is all I need, it sounds suspiciously easy. It also talks about a video capture card. Do I need this and if so, how do I tell if I have one already or not? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

My computer is a Gateway. I emailed them and they said that my video card is capable of capturing video. I went to a computer store (Microcenter) and asked about a dongle. They weren't able to come up with anything for me that didn't cost a bundle. It seems to me that this dongle thing should basically be sort of an adapter to plug into a USB port to connect the video and audio cable from the VCR. Anybody have any suggestions on where to get such a thing?

 

Hi Bucksone

The typical connection type(s) outputting from a VCR would be.....
RCA cables, 2 or 3 lead. The yellow plug is for video, the remaining one or two (red and white plugs) are for audio (left and right channels). If your VCR and Vcard are capable of stereo signal, get the 3 plug RCA cable. This cable would be connected to the output jacks FROM the VCR to the input jacks on the Vcard.
The other connection would be the same type of cable connection your cable TV service uses. Most VCR's come supplied with a 12 to 18 inch cable, connecting the VCR to your TV. Use this cable to connect from your VCR out jack to your Vcard input. This connection type typically found on a TV tuner Vcard. You may need information for your Vcard to know what setting the card must be set to find/access the signal output from the VCR.

 

Jeez, I haven't heard of a dongle in dog's years. Traditionally, it's a hardware security (read anti-piracy) key that's plugged into one of the ports (parallel, serial, USB) on your computer to enable a software program to run.

I would have to say that the word is grossly misused if they mean a connector of some sort.

 

These video capture dongles can be any of several. I have an ATI ALL In Wonder, I have a S-video connectors on the back of my video card (in/out). There are adapaters to connect to RCA connectors. I have to have an adapter to connect to the sound card.

Quite frankly, I have an older model of AIW. All the stuff that came with the card lists for a price in EXCESS of what I paid for the card. I have remote control for TV, the dongles, software, etc.

Anyway, I use VIRTUAL DUB for capturing VHS. It's easier and better. The quality caputre with ATI software gives a proprietary format.